What does ARUNA stand for?

ARUNA stands for Association for Rural Upliftment and National Allegiance, a non-profit development organisation established in Odisha, India, in 1994.

Where does ARUNA work?

ARUNA works across 30 districts of Odisha, India, with its headquarters in Brahmapur, Ganjam district.

What programmes does ARUNA run?

ARUNA runs programmes in HIV prevention, care and support; child protection; gender empowerment; adolescent health and development; health services; and humanitarian response.

Is ARUNA registered with FCRA?

Yes, ARUNA is FCRA-registered with registration number 104910076, allowing it to receive foreign contributions legally.

How can I donate to ARUNA?

You can donate online via UPI, credit card, or net banking through the Donate page on the ARUNA website. Donations are eligible for 80G tax deductions under the Income Tax Act.

How can I work with or volunteer at ARUNA?

You can apply for open positions or volunteer opportunities through the Work With Us page on the ARUNA website.

What is ARUNA Odisha?

ARUNA Odisha manages 5 data types including articles. Helps you organize, track, and share your work in 1 place for teams and solo users.

Key People Associated With Us

The dedicated leaders and professionals behind ARUNA's mission

Our Team

Leadership & Expertise

Meet the dedicated professionals and leaders who guide ARUNA's mission and drive positive change across communities in Odisha.

Mr. Padmanabh Dave

Tax Attorney & Social Advocate

Mr. Dave is a renowned tax attorney and social advocate with over 30 years of leadership in the Youth Hostel Association of India (YHAI), serving as Life Trustee, National Executive Member, and State Chairman, YHAI Odisha. A National Executive Member of the All-India Federation of Tax Practitioners. He has played a key role in promoting HIV education in southern Odisha and has been associated with ARUNA since 2000.

Mr. Lokanath Misra

Founder & Development Practitioner

Mr. Misra is a distinguished social activist and development practitioner with over 32 years of experience in HIV response, child protection, adolescent health, migration, and community development. With a postgraduate degree in Sociology and a background in law, he has founded ARUNA and strengthened several social institutions, including co-founding Sraddha Sanjeevani Child Care Home (SSCCH) in Odisha. He served as the National President of the Indian Network of NGOs on HIV/AIDS (INN) and has represented India at major national and international platforms, including UNGASS and IAS.

Dr. Ajay Kumar Tripathy

Professor of Odia Literature

Dr. Tripathy is a distinguished Professor of Odia literature with over 20 years of academic and research experience. A respected writer, speaker, and Youth Red Cross Officer, he has actively contributed to youth leadership and social development. He has been associated with ARUNA for two decades.

Ms. Susmita Bhoi

Development Practitioner

Ms. Susmita is a young development practitioner associated with ARUNA since 2015. She holds a Postgraduate degree in Social Work from Sambalpur University. Beginning her career in HIV prevention, she has progressively built strong expertise in child development and protection, with a particular focus on family-based care for vulnerable children. Over the years, she has demonstrated a dynamic professional journey across NGOs and INGOs, contributing significantly to program implementation, capacity building, and community-led solutions.

Mr. B. Govind Rao

National Awardee NSS & Youth Red Cross Officer

Prof. B. Govind Rao is a National Awardee NSS & Youth Red Cross Officer and a renowned trainer in First Aid and HIV prevention. With over 33 years of work in the development sector, he has trained thousands of students and young adults across rural Odisha. He has been associated with ARUNA for more than two decades.

Dr. Umakanta Tripathy

Medical Professional & Social Worker

A doctor by profession and social worker by passion, Dr. Tripathy is known for his significant contribution to the HIV programme in Odisha, including initiating and advancing the PPTCT programme in the state. After superannuation from government service, he served as Superintendent at Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital, Bhubaneswar. He has been associated with ARUNA since 2000.

Mr. Bibhudatta Pattnaik

Businessman & Philanthropist

A businessman by profession with a deep passion for philanthropy, Mr. Pattnaik has devoted his time and commitment to ARUNA for the past 20 years. His compassion for the poor and exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships across diverse communities have significantly strengthened ARUNA's networks, partnerships, and outreach. His continued guidance and dedication remain instrumental in advancing ARUNA's mission and impact.

Mr. Sukanta Kumar Acharya

Advocate & Finance Professional

A practicing advocate and results-driven finance professional with over 25 years of experience in financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and data-driven decision support within the nonprofit sector, Mr. Acharya has been associated with ARUNA since 2008. He plays a key role in guiding the organization in finance management, policy planning, statutory compliance, and the implementation of robust internal control systems, while upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and good governance. His expertise strengthens ARUNA's financial sustainability and strategic decision-making.